The Food Security Center (FSC) in Germany is inviting applications from M.Sc. and Ph.D. students from Latin America, Africa and Asia to participate in a Summer School on “Food Security for Tropical Smallholders” in Costa Rica. The curriculum of the event also covers the nutritional benefits of under-utilised crops and their application in improving food security. Other topics include effective agricultural methodologies and the application of aquaculture. A total of 12 lucky applicants will be selected for this learning opportunity. Costs for air tickets will be covered by the conveners from your nearest airport to San Jose, Costa Rica, as well as the equivalent of 500 Euro for lodging, meals and local transportation. However, the closing date draws near at 17 September 2011. So, hurry and submit your CV and intention letter to Prof. Dr. Victor M. Jimenez (email hidden; JavaScript is required). Further information can be found here. We bid you all the very best!

A publication written by Sergio Giani and Rokia Sanogo dedicated to the integration of traditional medicinein health systems has been published in the latest issue of Universitas Forum.

The abstract is copied below. Following this link it can be found in English, French and Italian along with the link for downloading the full publication in French

Reflecting on their experiences in Mali, the authors argue that the action-research methodology (AR) is particularly suited to promoting traditional medicines, for three main reasons: systemic approach, flexibility and stakeholder participation. The aim of AR is also the creation and the appropriation of knowledge by local actors: it is not the acquisition or the transmission of knowledge, but the mastering of the process of knowledge creation. Thus, participation in AR is also formative for all participants, including researchers. The authors also underline the importance of dynamic exchange and intercultural communication, gender analysis and the empowerment of local actors. The use of the methodologies and approaches
illustrated has achieved some positive results in various fields, such as: promoting good care during pregnancy and safe delivery, traditional treatment of trauma and malaria, and also strengthening of local health systems, safeguarding of biodiversity and improving the work of herbalists.

AIDEMET is a Malian based NGO involved with TM, improving livelihoods and much more.

To read more about this organisation and the work it is doing click on the links below

• La Valorisation de la Médecine Traditionnelle et les Nouvelles Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication
• Aidemet Ong: Aide au Développement de la Médecine Traditionnelle
• Ethno-pharmacology, traditional medicine and the effort that Aidemet, a Malian based NGO is making!
  Read about it in French and in English

Prospective Applicants from Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Kenya, Uganda are invited to submit an abstract of a research manuscript, and apply for participation in a Scientific Writing and Communication Training Course with focus on Neglected and Underutilised Plant Species, to be held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Dates and venue:  12^th –  16^th September,  2011 Nairobi, Kenya
Deadline for application: 24^th of June, 2011
More information here: Scientific Writing Training Course Kenya 2011
Application form: Application Form & Manuscript Kenya 2011

For applicants from Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Kenya.

Dates and venue: August 29^th – September 2^nd,  2011 Lilongwe, Malawi
Deadline for application: June 3^rd, 2011
More information here: Proposal Writing Training Course Malawi 2011
Application form: Application Form Proposal Writing Malawi 2011